Colorado Legalization 90 Days In: Crime Down; $33 Million in Taxes Earmarked For Public Health

Ninety days after adults over 21 could begin buying cannabis over the counter, taxes were up and crime was down. Above, satisfied customers in Denver January 1, 2014

Colorado state tax reports issued on May 8 showed that $19 million worth of cannabis was sold legally in the state in March, up almost a third from February. The state also reported $7.3 million in retail weed tax revenues, plus another $12.6 million from taxes on medical cannabis. Last week, state lawmakers moved to spend some proceeds — about $33 million — on school nurses and public education touting responsible use.